10 Interesting Roman Gladiator Facts

Roman Gladiator Facts tell you about the form of entertainment in the Roman Empire and Roman republic. The word gladiator is taken from the Latin word, gladius which means sword. In this case, the word gladiator means swordsman. Here are other facts about Roman gladiator for you:

Roman Gladiator Facts 1: what is the gladiator?

Can you define the gladiator? The gladiator entertained the audiences by confronting or fighting with other gladiators, criminals or even wild animals. It was very common to see the gladiators in action in Roman Empire and Roman republic.

Roman Gladiator Facts 2: who became the gladiators?

The people who decided to become the gladiators were the volunteers who wanted to increase their lives. They also risked the social standing and legal status by having the confrontation in the arena.

Roman Gladiator Facts

Roman Gladiator Facts 3: the popularity

The Roman gladiator was very popular since it inspired the wide audiences about the martial ethics in Rome. They showed the audiences on how to fight and die well in the arena.

Roman Gladiator Facts 4: the gladiator origin

Many people are still in debate to decide the exact origin of the gladiator. The evidence about the presence of gladiator can be seen during the Punic wars which occurred in the third century BC when the funeral rites took place.

Roman Gladiator Picture

Roman Gladiator Facts 5: the most popular form of entertainment

Roman gladiator fighting in the area became the most popular form of entertainment in the Roman world. It was very important in the social and political life in Rome. Thereafter, it became the most expensive and lavish game.

Roman Gladiator Facts 6: the peak of the game

The gladiator game in Rome reached the pinnacle between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD. Do you know that it lasted for almost 1000 years?

Roman Gladiator Pic

Roman Gladiator Facts 7: the decline

The popularity of the Roman gladiator game declined after Christianity was adopted as the official religion in Roman Empire in 380. Get facts about Roman Empire here.

Roman Gladiator Facts 8: the occasions

At first, the game of gladiator was only performed during the funerals or even memorials. But then it was used in various kinds of occasions such as victories and birthdays.

Roman Gladiator Image

Roman Gladiator Facts 9: Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar gained a lot of popularity after he could make this gladiator game performed on a large public theatre and games.

Roman Gladiator Facts 10: the exotic wild animals

The game was not only a man fighting a man but also a man fighting animals such as elephants, lions, rhinos and bears. Get facts about lionshere.